JP3941525B2 - Print control apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a print control apparatus that prints a copy image whose image changes by copying, and a control program therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Some important forms such as vouchers and certificates have an image changed by copying. In this case, a copy check image for checking copy is often printed. As a copy check image, a combination of a lost image that disappears during copying by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied is known. When a lost image and a residual image are used in combination, characters and figures that cannot be seen on the original form due to copying will appear on the duplicate, and characters and figures that are visible on the original form will be lost by copying. A copy check image can be created. This form with a copy check image is expected to have an effect of checking illegal copy because a copy clearly different from the original is output when copied with a copy machine.
[0003]
Conventionally, a form with a copy check image has been created by printing various items on a sheet on which a copy check image has been printed in advance. Recently, a copy check image can be printed on a plain sheet by a page printer. Therefore, the user can generate a copy check image having a desired design and print it on a form. In addition, with the widespread use of color printers and higher resolution, it has become possible to print copied images in color.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even when a copy check image is printed in color, the copy check image that has been printed in black and white has only been printed in a color other than black. It was only effective. For this reason, there has been a growing need for a copy check image that uses various colors to produce a new visual effect.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to make it possible to print a copy image that produces a special visual effect using various colors in a print control apparatus that prints a copy image in color.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The print control apparatus of the present invention outputs a non-color-change image composed of large dots larger than the minimum dot size that is output in the same color as the original color when copied by a color copying machine and is readable by the color copying machine. Large dots larger than the minimum dot size that can be read by the color copying machine, and the smallest dots that can be read by the color copying machine. A copy image generating means for generating a copy image including a discolored image composed of small dots smaller than the size, a control means for causing the color printing apparatus to print the copy image generated by the copy image generating means, It is characterized by providing.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0010]
[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a form output device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, a storage device 5, a printing device 6, a display unit 7, and an input. A unit 8 and a transmission control unit 9 are provided, and each unit is connected by a bus 10.
Here, the CPU 2 has functions of a copy image generation unit and a control unit described in the claims.
[0011]
The CPU 2 reads out system programs and various application programs stored in the storage device 5, expands them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 4, executes various processes based on these programs, and displays the processing results in a work area in the RAM 4. (Not shown) are temporarily stored and displayed on the display unit 7. Further, the CPU 2 stores the processing result in an instructed storage destination in the storage device 5 based on the operation signal input from the input unit 8.
[0012]
Specifically, the CPU 2 reads and executes the business application file 5a in the storage device 5, and executes various business processes corresponding to the input instruction such as creation of an invoice or an estimate. Then, the CPU 2 stores the data created by the business process in the print data memory 41 a in the RAM 4.
Further, the CPU 2 generates a display signal for displaying the data created by the business process and the input contents in the input unit 8, outputs the display signal to the display unit 7, and displays it on the screen of the display unit 7.
[0013]
Further, the CPU 2 executes a printing process (see FIG. 10), which will be described later, in accordance with an instruction input from the input unit 8, generates a copy check image based on various conditions input from the input unit 8, and The printing data and the copy check image created in the above are printed on a sheet with a predetermined printing color by the printing device 6 to create a form.
[0014]
Here, the copy check image is an image that is difficult to be completely copied by the copying machine, and when a printed matter on which the copy check image is printed is copied by the copy machine, a copy different from the original is output. In the form output device 1 according to the first embodiment, a copy check image including two types of images called a remaining image and a lost image is used.
Both the remaining image and the lost image are images that are color-printed, and the remaining image does not change when copied by a color copying machine, but the lost image is an image that changes color when copied by a color copying machine. Using these remaining images and disappeared images, if the remaining images are arranged in the background and a copy check image is created with the disappeared images such as characters and figures placed on the background, the image can be copied by a color copier. You can create printed materials that change only the characters and graphics. Further, if the lost image is discolored by copying so that it becomes the same color as the remaining image, characters and figures can be visually recognized in the original, but cannot be visually recognized in color copies. For this reason, when a form (printed material) on which a copy check image is printed by the form output device 1 is copied, a copy that is significantly different from the original is output, so that an effect of checking unauthorized copying can be expected.
The lost image corresponds to the discolored image described in the claims, and the remaining image corresponds to the non-discolored image described in the claims.
[0015]
The CPU 2 executes the above-described printing process to select and specify characters, fonts, character sizes, character string angles, character string arrangement states, and patterns used for the copy check image. In response to the input of the conditions for generating the copy check image, a copy check image generation process (see FIG. 11) described later is executed to generate a copy check image in which the character string and the pattern are arranged, and in the work area of the RAM 4. Store.
[0016]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 stores the form data stored in the form data file 5c and the print data stored in the print data file 5d in the form data memory 41b and the print data memory 41a in the RAM 4, and combines them. Then, the form printing data is generated, and the copy check image data stored in the RAM 4 is combined with the form print data, thereby generating the combined form data for printing the form with the copy check image. The form is printed out by the printing device 6.
[0017]
Further, when executing the printing process, the CPU 2 displays a copy check image editing screen 71 (see FIG. 12) for inputting the generation conditions on the screen of the display unit 7.
[0018]
The ROM 3 is a non-volatile memory that stores the character attribute table 31 and the pattern image table 32 referred to by the CPU 2 in the printing process in a format readable by the CPU 2.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the character attribute table 31.
As shown in FIG. 2, in the character attribute table 31, for each character, a pop-up flag indicating whether or not each character is pop-up displayed on a copy check image editing screen 71 described later is set for each font and character size. It is a table.
[0020]
A character string such as “copy” or “invalid” is often used for the copy check image. In the character attribute table 31, pop-up flags are set to “1” for frequently used characters, and these characters are pop-up displayed when a character input unit 712 of a copy check image editing screen 71 described later is operated. Can be selected by various selection operations. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the processing efficiency is improved by regarding the entire frequently used character string such as “copy” and “invalid” as one character.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the pattern image table 32.
In the pattern image table 32 shown in FIG. 3, the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image are stored in association with the pattern type indicating the name of the pattern, and the remaining pattern image dot configuration and the lost pattern image dot configuration are set. Has been.
[0022]
The pattern type is the name of the pattern of the remaining pattern image and the disappeared pattern image, and is displayed on the pattern selection unit 716 on the copy check image editing screen 71 (FIG. 12) described later.
The remaining pattern image is a color image of a predetermined size that is used when a remaining image is generated in a copy check image generation process (FIG. 11) to be described later, and only a relatively large dot that can be copied by a copying machine. Consists of.
The lost pattern image is a color image of a predetermined size that is used when generating a lost image in a copy check image generation process (FIG. 11) described later, and is a relatively large dot that can be copied by a copying machine. And small dots that cannot be copied by a copying machine.
[0023]
The remaining pattern image dot configuration indicates the type and color of dots constituting the remaining pattern image. Further, the lost pattern image dot configuration indicates the type and color of the dots that configure the lost pattern image.
For example, in the pattern image table 32 shown in FIG. 3, the remaining pattern image dot configuration of “sakura pattern” is set to “large: magenta”, so the remaining pattern image is configured only with dots having a large magenta color. In addition, since the missing pattern image dot configuration of the “cherry blossom pattern” is set to “large: magenta, small: cyan”, the lost pattern image is composed only of dots having a large magenta color and dots having a small cyan color. .
[0024]
In the configuration of the pattern image table 32, the remaining pattern image dot configuration and disappeared pattern image dot configuration items are not essential. In the pattern image table 32, the remaining pattern image is a color image composed only of large dots of a predetermined color, and similarly, the lost pattern image is a color image composed of large dots and small dots of a predetermined color. Therefore, in the printing process described later (see FIG. 10), the CPU 2 can perform the process without referring to the items of the remaining pattern image dot configuration and the lost pattern image dot configuration. Here, for convenience of explanation, items of the remaining pattern image dot configuration and the lost pattern image dot configuration are illustrated.
[0025]
The RAM 4 expands the system program and various application programs executed by the CPU 2 in a program storage area (not shown), inputs instructions input by operating the input unit 8, input data, and processing results generated by the execution of the programs. For example, data related to the program is temporarily stored in a work area (not shown). The RAM 4 also includes a print memory 41 that stores data for printing a form.
[0026]
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the print memory 41. As shown in FIG. 4, in the print memory 41, memory areas of a print data memory 41a, a form data memory 41b, and a composite print data memory 41c are formed.
[0027]
The print data memory 41a is a memory area in which print data such as a supplier name, a product name, and an amount of money created by the business process and printed on a form is stored.
[0028]
The form data memory 41b is a memory area for storing form form data indicating the form of the form, such as the title of the form created by the form output device 1, the date entry column, and the printing position of the ruled line.
[0029]
The composite print data memory 41c stores composite form data obtained by combining the data stored in the print data memory 41a, the data relating to the form of the form stored in the form data memory 41b, and the copy check image. It is a memory area.
[0030]
The storage device 5 stores programs, data, and the like in advance, and includes a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 2, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium includes a portable medium such as a CD-ROM and a memory card and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Further, some or all of the programs, data, and the like stored in the storage medium are received from the transmission control unit 9 via a network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network) from a server or a client. Further, the storage medium 5 may be a server or client storage medium built on a network.
[0031]
A part of or all of the programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium are received from the transmission control unit 9 via other transmission devices such as a network line from other devices such as servers and clients and stored. Further, the storage medium 5 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Further, the program may be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.
[0032]
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a file configuration in the storage device 5. As shown in the figure, the storage device 5 includes business application file 5a, program file 4b, form data file 5c, print data file 5d, character repetition reference area memory 5e, document management file 5f, and the like. It is remembered. The print data file 5d has a storage unit function described in the claims.
[0033]
The business application file 5a is a file of various application programs executed by the CPU 2, and includes, for example, an application program for performing various business processes such as creation of an estimate and a delivery note.
The program file 5b is a file such as a system program for controlling each part of the form output device 1 by the CPU 2.
[0034]
The form form data file 5c includes form form data indicating the form of the form created by the form output device 1. The form data includes, for example, data for determining the printing positions of various information such as ruled lines, customer names, product names, and amounts for each form such as an estimate, an invoice, and an invoice.
[0035]
The print data file 5d is a file containing print data created by the business process, for example, data such as supplier name, product name, and price.
[0036]
The character repetition reference area memory 5e stores data indicating the arrangement state of the character string in the copy check image. Specifically, the character repetition row position, column position, line interval, column interval, vertical length in the copy check image are stored. Stores distortion and lateral distortion data.
Here, data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e will be described with reference to FIG.
[0037]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement state of character strings in the copy check image.
In the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, an xy coordinate axis having the upper left corner as the reference position (0, 0) is set.
[0038]
In the drawing, virtual frames indicated by reference signs P1, P2, P3, and P4 indicate basic positions at which characters are arranged in the copy restraint image 100, and a character string as a remaining image is included in each virtual frame. Be placed.
In the form output device 1, a character string is arranged in the copy check image 100 with four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 as one unit. For example, when drawing a copy check image in an area larger than the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 2 repeatedly arranges four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 over the entire area, The remaining image is arranged over the entire area.
[0039]
The sizes of the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 are determined according to the character size and the number of characters input in a printing process (FIG. 7) described later. When the angle of the character string is input, the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 are tilted according to the angle.
[0040]
The “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e indicates the coordinate position in the x-axis direction of the virtual frame P1 located in the upper left corner in FIG. 6, and the “row position” indicates the y-axis direction. Indicates the coordinate position. In addition, “column interval” indicates an interval between adjacent virtual frames in the x-axis direction, and “row interval” indicates an interval between adjacent virtual frames in the y-axis direction.
Accordingly, the position of the virtual frame P1 in the copy check image 100 is determined by the values of “row position” and “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e, and is determined by the values of “line interval” and “column interval”. The positions of the virtual frames P2, P3, and P4 are determined.
[0041]
In addition, rectangles indicated by alternate long and short dash lines in FIG. 6 indicate the initial positions of the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4, and the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 can be moved from this initial position. It is.
Here, when any of the virtual frames is moved, the other virtual frames are interlocked so that the quadrangle having the four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 as vertices is always a parallelogram. Moved.
[0042]
Specifically, in the copy check image 100, when the virtual frame P2 moves, the virtual frame P4 also moves in conjunction with it, and when the virtual frame P3 moves, the virtual frame P4 also moves in conjunction with the virtual frame P4. When the frame P4 moves, the virtual frames P2 and P3 also move in conjunction with each other.
For example, in the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, when the virtual frame P4 is moved to the position indicated by the reference symbol P4 ′, the virtual frame P2 is moved to the position indicated by the reference symbol P2 ′ in conjunction with this, and the virtual frame P3 is moved. Is moved to the position indicated by the symbol P3 ′.
[0043]
Note that the virtual frame P1 is not moved in conjunction with the movement of another virtual frame. Further, when the virtual frame P1 moves, all the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, P4 move in parallel with the movement of the virtual frame P1.
[0044]
When the virtual frame in the copy check image 100 moves, the deviation from the initial position of each virtual frame is stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e as “horizontal distortion” and “vertical distortion”. Here, “lateral distortion” indicates a deviation in the x-axis direction, and “longitudinal distortion” indicates a deviation in the y-axis direction.
When the virtual frame P1 moves, the “row position” and “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e are updated to the values after the movement.
[0045]
As described above, in the form output device 1, the “row position”, “column position”, “row interval”, “column interval”, “vertical distortion”, and “lateral distortion” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e. The arrangement of the character string in the copy check image is determined by each data.
[0046]
The printing apparatus 6 is a color printer that employs a printing method such as a laser printer, an ink jet printer, a sublimation printer, and the like, for example, C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black), The primary colors and intermediate colors are printed by printing fine dots of primary colors such as R (red), G (green), and B (blue), and various forms are printed out under the control of the CPU 2.
[0047]
The display unit 7 includes a display screen such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various images according to a display signal input from the CPU 2.
[0048]
The input unit 8 includes a key input device including character keys, numeric keys, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, generates an operation signal according to an operation, and outputs the operation signal to the CPU 2.
[0049]
The transmission control unit 9 includes a network card, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, etc. for communicating with an external device through a communication network (not shown).
[0050]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating the configuration of a copy check image created in the first embodiment, where (a) shows an example of a lost image and (b) shows an example of a remaining image. (C) shows another example of the lost image, and (d) shows another example of the remaining image.
[0051]
The copy check image created in the first embodiment is based on the dot size larger than the reference dot size and the reference dot size based on the minimum dot size detectable when the original is read by the copying machine. Is also composed of small dots.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the lost image in the first embodiment is composed of two types of dots having different sizes. A large dot 101 shown in the figure is a dot larger than the reference dot size, and a small dot 102 is a dot smaller than the reference dot size.
[0053]
For this reason, when the lost image shown in FIG. 7A is copied by a copying machine, only the large dots 101 are copied because the small dots 102 cannot be copied. When the large dot 101 and the small dot 102 are different colors, the lost image appears on the original as an intermediate color between the large dot 101 and the small dot 102, but is obtained by copying the original with a color copying machine. On the duplicate, the color of the lost image is the color of the large dot 101. That is, the lost image shown in FIG. 7A is discolored by copying with a color copying machine.
[0054]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, the remaining image is composed only of the large dots 101. Since the large dots 101 can be copied by a copying machine, there is no difference between the original and the copied material even if the remaining image is copied by a color copying machine.
[0055]
When the color of the large dot 101 shown in FIG. 7A and the color of the large dot 101 shown in FIG. 7B are the same color, and the color of the small dot 102 is different from the color of the large dot 101, In the original state, the lost image and the remaining image appear to have different colors. However, when copied by a color copying machine, the lost image changes color and becomes the same color as the remaining image. For this reason, it is easy to distinguish the lost image from the remaining image on the original, but it is difficult to distinguish the lost image from the remaining image on the duplicate.
[0056]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image using the lost image and the remaining image shown in FIGS.
The copy check image shown in FIG. 8 is an image in which a background including a uniform pattern is printed as a remaining image on a predetermined sheet and a character string “original” is printed as a lost image. The character string (disappearing image) of “original” is printed in a color different from the background (residual image), and can be easily visually recognized in the original state. When the copy check image shown in FIG. 8 is copied by a color copying machine, the character string “original” changes color and becomes the same color as the background, so that it appears as if the character string “original” has disappeared. Therefore, the original and the duplicate can be easily distinguished, and the effect of restraining copying can be expected.
[0057]
It should be noted that the lost image and the remaining image shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be configured by using only large dots 101 and small dots 102 having different sizes, and only dots having the same size.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, if a large dot 103 in which a plurality of dots of the same size as the small dot 102 are arranged close to each other instead of the large dot 101, the lost image and the entire remaining image are the same. Can be composed of size dots. In this case, since it is not necessary to divide dots of a plurality of sizes by the printing device 6, the form output device 1 can be easily realized.
[0058]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, when the large dot 103 is configured by a plurality of dots having the same size as the small dot 102, the color of the large dot 103 can be an intermediate color.
That is, in a general color printer, a large number of dots are printed with primary color ink or toner, and an intermediate color is printed by adjusting the ratio of the size and density of each color dot, so one large dot 101 is printed. The primary color is used as the color to be performed. However, when the large dots 103 shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D are printed, the large dots 103 can be printed with a plurality of primary colors by specifying the print colors of the plurality of dots constituting the large dots 103, respectively. In this case, since the color of the large dot 103 is an intermediate color of the primary color used for printing, the intermediate color can also be used in the remaining image.
[0059]
7A, when a form (printed material) on which a copy check image is printed is copied by a monochrome copying machine, the large dots 101 are printed on the copy in a gray color according to the lightness of the original color. However, the small dots 102 cannot be copied even by a monochrome copying machine. Therefore, when a form (printed material) on which a copy check image is printed by the form output device 1 is copied by a monochrome copying machine, the lost image is printed in gray with a lightness different from the original color. Further, when copying with a monochrome copying machine, the lost image and the remaining image are both printed in gray with the same brightness, so that the effect of restraining copying can be expected.
[0060]
Further, in the images shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the colors of the large dots 101 and 103 and the small dots 102 can be arbitrarily determined, but the small dots 102 are completely lost during copying. Therefore, it is preferable to use a color that is harder to copy than the large dots 101 and 103 for the small dots 102.
[0061]
Whether or not each color used for a copy check image is likely to disappear when copied by a copying machine can be determined based on lightness. Since the form output device 1 processes the printing color by the printing device 6 as RGB digital data, the brightness of each color is determined based on the Y value by converting the data representation format of each color from RGB to YIQ. Can do.
Here, an example of an arithmetic expression for converting RGB digital data into YIQ digital data is shown as the following expression (1).
[0062]
[Expression 1]
Y = 0.30R + 0.59G + 0.11B
I = 0.60R-0.28G-0.32B (1)
Q = 0.21R-0.52G + 0.31B
[0063]
R (red), G (green), B (blue), C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), K (black) used when printing the smallest dots with a general color printer FIG. 9 is a graph showing the lightness of eight colors including white color when printing on white plain paper and colorless (no color).
[0064]
In the graph shown in FIG. 9, the vertical axis indicates the brightness, and each color is arranged on the horizontal axis. As shown in FIG. 9, when the above eight colors are arranged in order from the color with the highest brightness, the order is white, yellow, cyan, green, magenta, red, blue, and black.
[0065]
Since it is preferable that the small dots 102 shown in FIG. 7 have colors that are not copied when copying with a color copying machine, the color arrangement of the large dots 101 and 103 and the small dots 102 is based on the order of brightness shown in FIG. Just decide. In the first embodiment, since the dot configuration of the remaining image and the lost image is determined by the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image set in the pattern image table 32 (FIG. 3), the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image If the dot color scheme is based on the brightness ranking shown in FIG. 9, a preferable copy check image can be generated.
[0066]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the CPU 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 71 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG.
[0067]
The copy check image editing screen 71 shown in FIG. 12 includes a character input unit 712 for inputting copy check image generation conditions, a font selection unit 713, a character size selection unit 714, a character angle input unit 715, and a pattern selection unit. 716 is arranged.
[0068]
In the character input unit 712, it is possible to directly input characters used as a copy check image, or to select and input from candidates displayed in a list according to an operation of a pop-up button in the character input unit 712. The candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button are characters for which the pop-up flag is set to “1” in the character attribute table 31 of FIG.
[0069]
The font selection unit 713 can select and input a character font of characters to be used as a copy check image from candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button.
[0070]
The character size selection unit 714 can select and input the character size of the character used as the copy check image from the candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button. The character angle input unit 715 can input the angle of the character in the copy check image.
[0071]
Furthermore, the pattern selection unit 716 can select and input a pattern to be used as a copy check image from pattern candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button. Note that the pattern candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button follow the pattern types stored in the pattern image table 32.
[0072]
Also, on the copy check image editing screen 71, a confirmation instruction button 717 for instructing confirmation of input contents in the character input unit 712, font selection unit 713, character size selection unit 714, character angle input unit 715, and pattern selection unit 716. Has been placed.
[0073]
A preview section 711 is arranged on the copy check image editing screen 71. In the preview portion 711, a copy check image generated by the CPU 2 in accordance with the input content determined by operating the confirmation instruction button 717 is schematically displayed. In the copy check image displayed on the preview unit 711, a plurality of copy check characters 718 are arranged at predetermined positions.
Further, by moving the copy check character 718 displayed on the preview unit 711 by operating the pointing device of the input unit 8 or the like, it is possible to edit the arrangement state of the copy check character 718 in the copy check image. .
[0074]
When the CPU 2 starts the printing process shown in FIG. 10, first, the copy check image editing screen 71 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 7 (step S11).
Next, the CPU 2 performs input in each of the character input unit 712, font selection unit 713, character size selection unit 714, character angle input unit 715, and pattern selection unit 716 of the copy check image editing screen 71, and a confirmation instruction button 717. When the input content is confirmed by the above operation, the character input in the character input unit 712 is accepted and temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 4 (step S12). Similarly, the character font selection input in the font selection unit 713 is performed. (Step S13), the input of the character size in the character size selection unit 714 (Step S14), the input of the angle of the character string in the character angle input unit 715 (Step S15), and the input in the pattern selection unit 716 (Step S16) are accepted. And stored in the work area in the RAM 4.
[0075]
Further, the CPU 2 reads out the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image corresponding to the input content of the pattern selection unit 716 from the pattern image table 32 stored in the ROM 3, and develops and arranges the remaining pattern image in the entire preview unit 711. . Further, the character string designated by the input contents received in steps S12 to S14 is composed of the same color as the lost pattern image to generate a copy check character 718, which is stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e in the storage device 5. A copy check character 718 is arranged based on the received data and the input content received in step S15, thereby generating a copy check image for preview and displaying it on the preview unit 711 (step S17).
[0076]
Here, when the movement of the copy check character 718 in the preview unit 711 is instructed by the operation of the pointing device included in the input unit 8, the CPU 2 acquires the instruction content and stores the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e. And the display in the preview part 711 is updated (step S18).
[0077]
Furthermore, when the CPU 2 is instructed to change the angle of the copy restraint character 718 in the preview unit 711 by operating the pointing device of the input unit 8, the CPU 2 accepts the instruction (step S19), and the character repetition reference area according to the instruction. The data stored in the memory 5e is updated, and the display in the preview unit 711 is updated (step S20).
[0078]
Then, the CPU 2 executes a copy check image generation process to generate a copy check image to be printed by the printing device 6 (step S21), and temporarily stores it in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S22). The copy check image generation process in step S21 will be described later.
[0079]
Further, the CPU 2 generates the form printing data by reading out the form form data and the print data relating to the form to be printed by the printing device 6 from the form form data file 5c and the print data file 5d, respectively, and synthesizing them ( Step S23). Then, the CPU 2 synthesizes the form printing data generated in step S23 and the copy check image generated in step S22 to generate composite form data (step S24), and prints based on the generated composite form data. Form printing is executed by the device 6 (step S25).
[0080]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the copy restraint image generation process shown in step S21 of FIG.
[0081]
In the copy check image generation process, the CPU 2 develops and arranges the remaining pattern image read from the pattern image table 32 over the entire print area based on the input content received in step S16 (FIG. 10), and sets dots for the remaining image. Drawing is performed (step S31). Here, since the remaining pattern image stored in the pattern image table 32 is a minimum constituent unit for development in the printing area, the CPU 2 arranges the remaining pattern image in the entire printing area in step S31.
The print area is an image development area set in accordance with the area where the copy check image is to be printed on the form.
[0082]
Next, the CPU 2 sets the character string specified by the input contents received in steps S12 to S14 (FIG. 10), the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e, and the input contents received in step S15 (FIG. 10). And the remaining image is drawn by performing XOR (exclusive OR) with the dots drawn in step S31 (step S32). That is, the CPU 2 draws dots for the remaining image over the entire print area, and erases the dots at positions that overlap the character string. Thereby, a residual image in which a portion overlapping the character string is cut out is obtained.
[0083]
Then, the CPU 2 temporarily stores the remaining image obtained in step S32 in the work area in the RAM 4 and clears the print area (step S33).
[0084]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 develops and arranges the lost pattern image read from the pattern image table 32 based on the input content received in step S16 (FIG. 10) over the entire print area, and draws the dots for the lost image (step). S34). Here, since the lost pattern image stored in the pattern image table 32 is a minimum constituent unit for development in the print area, the CPU 2 arranges the lost pattern image side by side in the entire print area in step S34.
[0085]
Next, the CPU 2 sets the character string specified by the input contents received in steps S12 to S14 (FIG. 10), the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e, and the input contents received in step S15 (FIG. 10). Is arranged over the entire print area based on the above, and is superimposed on the print area drawn in step S34, and the AND (logical product) of the drawn dots and the character string is taken to erase the dots and disappear. An image is generated (step S35). That is, the CPU 2 deletes other dots while leaving only the drawn dots at positions overlapping the character string image.
Thereby, a lost image cut out in the same shape as the character string is obtained.
[0086]
Then, the CPU 2 temporarily stores the remaining image obtained in step S35 in the work area in the RAM 4 (step S36).
[0087]
Thereafter, the CPU 2 generates a copy check image by superimposing the remaining image and the lost image stored in the work area of the RAM 4 and taking the OR (logical sum) of the remaining image and the lost image (step S37). Thereby, a copy check image including the remaining image as the background and the lost image of the character string is created.
[0088]
Next, an estimate will be described as an example of a form printed out by the printing process shown in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of form form data stored in the form form data file 5c in the storage device 5 when an estimate is created by the form output device 1. The form form data shown in FIG. 13 includes data on the form of the estimate such as the ruled line position of the form and the date printing position.
[0089]
FIG. 14 shows print data included in the print data file 5 d of the storage device 5. The print data shown in FIG. 14 includes data such as product names and prices that are generated by a business application and should be printed on a form.
[0090]
The form printing data shown in FIG. 15 is obtained by synthesizing the form form data shown in FIG. 13 and the print data shown in FIG. If this form printing data is printed as it is, a general estimate can be created.
[0091]
FIG. 16 shows an example of a copy check image generated when an estimate is created. The copy check image shown in FIG. 16 includes a remaining image 105 arranged in the entire print area 104 and a lost image 106 having a character string “original”.
[0092]
Then, when the form printing data shown in FIG. 15 and the copy check image shown in FIG. 16 are combined, composite form data as shown in FIG. 17 is obtained.
In the composite form data shown in FIG. 17, a copy check image is arranged only in an area where a product name, a price, and the like are described in an estimate. For this reason, according to the composite form data shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to check the copying of the portion in which the data such as the product name and the price is described.
[0093]
When a form in which the composite form data shown in FIG. 17 is printed by the printing apparatus 6 is copied by a copying machine, the “original” character string printed as a lost image is lost as shown in FIG. Accordingly, in copying by a copying machine, only a completely different copy from the original form created by the form output device 1 can be obtained, so that unauthorized copying can be suppressed.
[0094]
As described above, according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, when creating a copy check image, a large dot that can be copied by a copying machine and a size that is difficult to copy by the copying machine. By using small dots and making the color of large dots different from the color of small dots, a copy consisting of a lost image that changes color when copied by a copier and a remaining image that does not change color when copied Since a check image is created and printed by the printing device 6, the created copy check image is an image in which only small dots disappear due to copying by a copying machine. For this reason, when the form created by the form output device 1 is copied by a color copying machine, the portion constituted by the lost image is discolored due to the disappearance of the small dots, thereby creating a visual effect that has not existed in the past. Copying can be strongly controlled.
[0095]
Even when copying with a monochrome copying machine, the brightness of the portion composed of the lost image changes due to the disappearance of the small dots, so the original form (printed matter) created by the form output device 1 can be changed. When copied by a copying machine, the copy is completely different from the original, and an effect of strongly checking the copy can be expected.
[0096]
In particular, if the large dots contained in the lost image and the large dots contained in the remaining image have the same color, after the copying by the copying machine, the lost image and the remaining image are exactly the same and cannot be visually identified. . Therefore, according to the form output device 1, it is possible to create a copy check image in which a lost image that is clearly visible on the original form (printed material) disappears after copying, and the effect of checking the copy more strongly can be expected.
[0097]
Further, in the created copy check image, the color of the lost image appears as an intermediate color between the color of the large dot and the color of the small dot. That is, according to the form output device 1, since it is possible to create a copy check image using intermediate colors in addition to the primary colors, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of design of the copy check image.
[0098]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, if a large dot composed of a plurality of small dots is used as the dot configuration of the lost image and the remaining image, a plurality of primary colors may be used for printing the large dots. it can. Thereby, since the intermediate color can be used also in the remaining image, the degree of freedom in designing the copy check image can be further increased.
[0099]
In the first embodiment, the character string is used as the lost image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various patterns and figures may be used. Further, the pattern of the remaining image is not limited, and various designs combining various curves, straight lines, figures, characters and the like can be used.
[0100]
Furthermore, as a technique for editing the arrangement state of the remaining image, a technique based on the four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in FIG. 6 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, Of course, the detailed configuration such as the specific configuration of each part of the form output device 1 can be changed as appropriate.
[0101]
In the first embodiment, the example has been described in which the large dots respectively included in the remaining image and the lost image have the same size, and the lost image and the remaining image are in the same state after copying. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lost image and the remaining image may be in a different state after copying by changing the configuration of the dots of the lost image and the remaining image.
[0102]
For example, if the large dots in the lost image are made colorless, the lost image is composed of only dots smaller than the dots of the remaining image, and after copying, the remaining image is printed much darker than the lost image. Furthermore, by adjusting the color scheme of each dot so that the color of the lost image and the color of the remaining image look the same on the original form (printed material), characters and figures that cannot be seen on the original form emerge after copying. It is also possible to do so. Also, for example, if the remaining image is colorless, a copy check image that changes color entirely by copying can be created.
[0103]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the remaining pattern image and the disappeared pattern image stored in the pattern image table 32 have already been determined to have a pattern and dot color scheme. The present invention is not limited, and it is also possible to generate a remaining pattern image and a lost pattern image by combining a color scheme and a pattern designated by a user operation each time. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a second embodiment.
[0104]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the pattern table 33 stored in the ROM 3 in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the color arrangement table 34 stored in the ROM 3.
In the second embodiment, instead of the pattern image table 32 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment, the pattern table 33 and the color arrangement table 34 are stored in the ROM 3, and the configuration of each other part Since the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.
[0105]
In the pattern table 33 shown in FIG. 19, a pattern type and pattern data are stored in association with each other. The pattern data is image data of a predetermined size expressed in black and white binary, and various patterns are arranged. The pattern type indicates the name of the pattern included in each pattern data.
[0106]
Further, in the color arrangement table 34 shown in FIG. 20, data is set for each item of the residual pattern image color that determines the color scheme of the dots used in the residual pattern image and the lost pattern image color that determines the color scheme of the dots used in the lost pattern image. The remaining pattern image color and the disappeared pattern image color are assigned color numbers.
For example, data indicating that the remaining pattern image is configured with large magenta dots is set for the remaining pattern image color assigned the color scheme number “1”, and the lost pattern image color is set for the lost pattern image color. Data indicating that a large dot of magenta color and a small dot of cyan color are configured is set.
[0107]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the form output device 1 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 72 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the processing shown in FIG.
[0108]
In the copy check image editing screen 72 shown in FIG. 24, as in the copy check image edit screen 71 (FIG. 12) in the first embodiment, a character input unit 712, a font selection unit 713, and a character size selection unit 714 are displayed. A character angle input unit 715, a pattern selection unit 716, and a confirmation instruction button 717 are arranged.
[0109]
Further, the copy check image editing screen 72 has a color selection unit 721 for selecting and inputting the color of the copy check image. In the color selection unit 721, an arbitrary color can be selected and input from among color candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button. Note that the color candidates displayed as a list in accordance with the operation of the pop-up button follow the contents of the color arrangement table 34.
[0110]
When the printing process shown in FIG. 21 is started, the CPU 2 first displays the copy check image editing screen 72 on the screen of the display unit 7 (step S41).
Next, the CPU 2 performs input in each of the character input unit 712, font selection unit 713, character size selection unit 714, character angle input unit 715, and pattern selection unit 716 of the copy check image editing screen 71, and a confirmation instruction button 717. When the input content is confirmed by the above operation, the character input in the character input unit 712 is accepted and temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 4 (step S42). Similarly, the character font selection input in the font selection unit 713 is performed. (Step S43), character size input in the character size selection unit 714 (Step S44), character string angle input in the character angle input unit 715 (Step S45), input in the pattern selection unit 716 (Step S46), color selection Each of the inputs (step S47) in the unit 721 is received and the RAM And stores it into the work area of the inner.
[0111]
Here, the CPU 2 reads the pattern data corresponding to the input content of the pattern selection unit 716 from the pattern table 33 stored in the ROM 3, and uses the input data of the color selection unit 721 from the color arrangement table 34 stored in the ROM 3. The corresponding residual pattern image color and lost pattern image color data are read out, and a pattern image generation process for generating a residual pattern image and a lost pattern image is executed (step S48). This pattern image generation process will be described later.
[0112]
Then, the remaining pattern image generated in step S48 is developed and arranged in the entire preview unit 711, and the character string specified by the input content received in steps S12 to S14 is further converted into the lost pattern image generated in step S48. And the copy check character 718 is generated based on the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e in the storage device 5 and the input content received in step S15. Then, a copy check image for preview is generated and displayed on the preview unit 711 (step S49).
[0113]
Here, when the movement of the copy check character 718 in the preview unit 711 is instructed by the operation of the pointing device included in the input unit 8, the CPU 2 acquires the instruction content and stores the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5e. And the display in the preview part 711 is updated (step S50).
[0114]
Furthermore, when the CPU 2 is instructed to change the angle of the copy restraint character 718 in the preview unit 711 by operating the pointing device of the input unit 8, the CPU 2 accepts the instruction (step S51), and the character repetition reference area according to the instruction. The data stored in the memory 5e is updated, and the display in the preview unit 711 is updated (step S52).
[0115]
Then, the CPU 2 executes a copy check image generation process to generate a copy check image for printing by the printing device 6 (step S53), and temporarily stores it in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S54). Note that the copy check image generation process in step S53 is the same process as the copy check image generation process (FIG. 11) in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof is omitted here.
[0116]
Further, the CPU 2 generates the form printing data by reading out the form form data and the print data relating to the form to be printed by the printing device 6 from the form form data file 5c and the print data file 5d, respectively, and synthesizing them ( Step S55). The CPU 2 then synthesizes the form printing data generated in step S23 and the copy check image generated in step S22 to generate combined form data (step S56), and prints based on the generated combined form data. Form printing is executed by the device 6 (step S57).
[0117]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern image generation process shown in step S48 of FIG.
First, the CPU 2 acquires pattern data corresponding to the input content of the pattern selection unit 716 from the pattern table 33 stored in the ROM 3 (step S61).
[0118]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 acquires the remaining pattern image color data corresponding to the input content of the color selection unit 721 from the color arrangement table 34 stored in the ROM 3, and generates the remaining dot data according to the acquired data (step S62). ).
Here, the remaining dot data is image data having the same size as the pattern data in which dots are arranged according to the data of the remaining pattern image color.
[0119]
Here, the CPU 2 performs an AND operation on the pattern data acquired in step S61 and the remaining dot data generated in step S62 to generate a remaining pattern image (step S63), and the generated remaining pattern image is stored in the RAM 4. Store in the work area (step S64).
[0120]
According to the processing of steps S62 to S63, for example, when the pattern data is “sakura pattern” and the remaining pattern image color is “large: magenta”, the remaining dot data in which large magenta dots are arranged throughout. Is generated and ANDed with the pattern data to generate a “sakura pattern” remaining pattern image composed of large magenta dots.
[0121]
Next, the CPU 2 acquires data of the lost pattern image color corresponding to the input content of the color selection unit 721 from the color arrangement table 34 stored in the ROM 3, and generates erasure dot data according to the acquired data (step S65). . Here, the erasure dot data is image data having the same size as the pattern data in which dots are arranged according to the data of the erasure pattern image color.
[0122]
Then, as in the process in step S63, the CPU 2 performs an AND operation on the pattern data acquired in step S61 and the erasure dot data generated in step S65 to generate a lost pattern image (step S66). The lost pattern image is stored in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S67).
[0123]
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining how the remaining pattern image and the disappeared pattern image are generated by the processing shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 23A shows how the remaining pattern image is generated, and FIG. 23B shows how the lost pattern image is generated. It shows how it is generated.
[0124]
As shown in FIG. 23A, the remaining dot data 111 generated according to the remaining pattern image color data in the color arrangement table 34 is configured by arranging only large dots on the entire surface, and the color of the large dots is the remaining pattern. It is a color determined by image color data.
On the other hand, the pattern data 110 is black and white binary image data, and the black portion has a cherry blossom shape.
[0125]
Then, a remaining pattern image 112 is generated by performing an AND operation on the pattern data 110 and the remaining dot data 111. In the remaining pattern image 112, a black portion in the pattern data 110 is colorless because there is no dot, and a large dot similar to the remaining dot data 111 is arranged in a portion that is white in the pattern data 110.
[0126]
Further, as shown in FIG. 23B, the erasure dot data 113 generated according to the data of the erasure pattern image color in the color arrangement table 34 is configured by arranging large dots and small dots over the entire surface, The color of the small dot is a color determined by the data of the disappeared pattern image color.
[0127]
The lost pattern image 114 is generated by performing an AND operation on the lost dot data 113 and the pattern data 110. In the lost pattern image 114, the black portion in the pattern data 110 is colorless because there is no dot, and the large dots and small dots similar to those in the lost dot data 113 are arranged in the white portion in the pattern data 110. Is done.
[0128]
As described above, the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image are generated with the colors selected and input by the user on the copy check image editing screen 72, and the copy check image using the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image is created. Can do.
[0129]
As described above, according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in addition to the effects in the first embodiment, the remaining pattern image and the disappeared pattern image constituting the copy check image are Since the colors can be combined as desired by the user, the degree of freedom in designing the copy check image can be further increased.
[0130]
In the second embodiment, the size of the large dot and the small dot when generating the remaining dot data and the erasure dot data may be a predetermined size or a copy restraint image. It may be determined as appropriate according to the application. In other words, when creating a copy check image in which characters and figures that can be seen on the original form (printed material) disappear after copying, the size of the large dots of the remaining dot data and the erasing dot data should be the same size. Although it is good, by changing the dot size, it is also possible to create a copy check image in which characters and figures that cannot be visually recognized in the original appear after copying.
[0131]
In the first and second embodiments described above, an example has been described in which all characters and figures visible on the original form (printed material) disappear after copying, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is of course possible to create a copy check image in which a part of characters and figures disappear after copying. Hereinafter, this example will be described as a third embodiment.
[0132]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the graphic table 35 stored in the ROM 3 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
In the third embodiment, instead of the pattern image table 32 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment, the graphic table 35 is stored in the ROM 3, and the other components are described above. Since it consists of the same composition as a 1st embodiment, the same numerals are attached and explanation is omitted.
[0133]
As shown in FIG. 25, various graphic data are stored in the graphic table 35, and a graphic type is set as the name of each graphic data.
The form output device 1 according to the third embodiment creates and prints a copy check figure composed of various figures as a copy check image.
[0134]
The graphic data is graphic data having a shape of a quadrangle, a triangle, a circle, or a tree design. Similar to the remaining pattern image and the disappeared pattern image in the first and second embodiments, these graphic data are composed of only large dots or large dots and small dots.
[0135]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the form output device 1 according to the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check graphic editing screen 73 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG.
[0136]
In the copy check graphic editing screen 73 shown in FIG. 27, a graphic selection unit 733 for inputting a graphic used for the copy check graphic, a graphic size input unit 734 for inputting the size of the graphic selected by the graphic selection unit 733, A color selection unit 732 for inputting the print color of the graphic selected by the graphic selection unit 733 is arranged.
[0137]
As shown in FIG. 27, a color palette displaying a list of available colors is arranged as the color selection unit 732, and an arbitrary color can be designated by operating a pointing device included in the input unit 8. In addition, in the graphic selection unit 733, an arbitrary graphic can be selected and input from graphic candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button. Note that the graphic candidates displayed as a list in accordance with the operation of the pop-up button are in accordance with the graphic type stored in the graphic table 35.
[0138]
In addition, a confirmation instruction button 735 for confirming input contents in the color selection unit 732, the graphic selection unit 733, and the graphic size input unit 734 is arranged on the copy check graphic editing screen 73.
[0139]
Further, a preview portion 731 is arranged on the copy check graphic editing screen 73. In the preview portion 731, a copy check graphic created in accordance with the input content confirmed by operating the confirmation instruction button 735 is schematically displayed.
[0140]
When the printing process shown in FIG. 26 is started, the CPU 2 first displays the copy check image editing screen 73 on the screen of the display unit 7 (step S71).
Next, the CPU 2 performs input in each of the color selection unit 732, the graphic selection unit 733, and the graphic size input unit 734 of the copy check image editing screen 73, and when the input content is confirmed by the operation of the confirmation instruction button 735. The character input in the color selection unit 732 is received and temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 4 (step S72). Similarly, the graphic selection input in the graphic selection unit 733 (step S73) and the graphic size input unit 734 The graphic size input (step S74) is received and stored in the work area in the RAM 4.
[0141]
Here, the CPU 2 reads the graphic data corresponding to the input content of the graphic selection unit 733 from the graphic table 35 stored in the ROM 3 and sets the color of the image data to the color corresponding to the input content of the color selection unit 732. Then, the copy check figure for preview is generated by enlarging or reducing according to the input content of the figure selection unit 733 and expanding and reducing it at a predetermined position and displaying it on the preview unit 731 (step S75).
[0142]
Here, when the movement of the graphic in the preview unit 731 is instructed by the operation of the pointing device of the input unit 8, the CPU 2 acquires the instruction content and stores information indicating the arrangement position of the graphic in the copy check graphic in the RAM 4. And the display in the preview part 731 are updated (step S76).
[0143]
Then, the CPU 2 executes copy check graphic generation processing, reads graphic data corresponding to the input content of the graphic selection unit 733 from the graphic table 35 stored in the ROM 3, and sets the color of the image data to the color selection unit 732. The color corresponding to the input content is set, enlarged or reduced in accordance with the input content of the graphic selection unit 733, and each graphic data is arranged according to the information indicating the arrangement position of each graphic stored in the work area of the RAM 4. Thus, a copy check graphic is generated (step S77). Thereafter, the CPU 2 causes the printing apparatus 6 to print the copy check graphic generated in step S77 on the paper (step S78).
[0144]
Here, FIGS. 28A and 28B show examples of copy restraint figures generated by the form output device 1 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
The copy check graphic shown in FIG. 28A includes three types of graphics indicated by symbols A, B, and C. Among these, the figure A and the figure C are figures that change color by copying, like the lost image in the first embodiment, and among these figures, the figure A is a figure that becomes colorless after the color change. Further, the figure B is a figure that does not change color due to copying, like the remaining image in the first embodiment. The graphic B has the same color as the graphic A in the original printed material.
[0145]
When the copy check figure shown in FIG. 28A is copied, the figure A disappears, the figure B remains unchanged, and the figure C changes color. As the figure A disappears, the figure A changes to the figure A in the original state. The confused figure B appears clearly.
Accordingly, the copy check pattern shown in FIG. 28A appears to be a combination of a circle and a triangle in the original printed matter, but in a copy copied by a copying machine, it is a combination of a square and a triangle. .
[0146]
The copy check graphic shown in FIG. 28B includes a graphic D as a background, a graphic E in the shape of a tree leaf, and a graphic F in the shape of a tree trunk.
Among these, the figure D and the figure F are figures that are not changed in color by copying, like the remaining image in the first embodiment, and the figure E is the lost image in the first embodiment. Similarly, it is a figure that changes color by copying. Further, the figure E becomes the same color as the figure D after being discolored by copying.
When the copy check figure shown in FIG. 28B is copied, the figure F changes color and becomes the same color as the figure D, so that the figure E appears to have disappeared.
[0147]
In this way, by printing a copy check figure including a plurality of figures that have disappeared, discolored, or remain after copying, a printed material can be created that looks as if the figure is deformed by copying. Since such a printed matter has a remarkable visual change, it can be expected to have an effect of strongly restraining copying.
[0148]
It should be noted that the copy check pattern in the third embodiment can be used by printing it on various forms such as an estimate, as in the case of the copy check image in the first and second embodiments. It is.
[0149]
In the third embodiment, the color of each graphic data used for the copy check graphic is determined by the input contents of the color selection unit 732 on the copy check graphic edit screen 73 (FIG. 27). The present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be automatically determined according to the brightness of the color as shown in the chart of FIG. You may perform the display which guides the color suitable for the figure selected by the selection part 733. FIG. In this case, like a graphic A shown in FIG. 28A, a color that easily disappears can be used for a graphic that disappears by copying, and the effect of restraining copying can be enhanced.
[0150]
In addition, an input unit for setting the background of the graphic input by the graphic size input unit 734 is provided on the copy check graphic editing screen 73, and processing related to the graphic background is performed in the printing processing shown in FIG. Of course, other details can be changed as appropriate.
[0151]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to print a copy image for producing a special visual effect that a part of the color changes when copied by a color copying machine. In addition, since the effect of the copy check image is created by using dots of different sizes, any color can be used for each dot, and the degree of freedom in designing the copy check image can be increased.
[0152]
In addition, since a copy check image is printed in which the discoloration area and the non-color change area are output in the same color when copied by a copying machine, a special visual effect that the discoloration area disappears is induced, and the copy is strongly suppressed. can do.
[0153]
Further, when the copy check image is copied, the non-discolored region can be remarkably discolored, so that the copy can be strongly checked.
[0154]
In addition, since a large dot can be printed using a dot smaller than the large dot, it is possible to efficiently perform processing when controlling the dot size during printing. In addition to the primary color, an intermediate color can be used as the printing color for large dots, and the degree of freedom in designing a copy check image can be increased.
[0155]
Further, it becomes possible to use an intermediate color as the printing color for large dots, and the degree of freedom in designing a copy check image can be increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a character attribute table 31 stored in a ROM 3 of FIG.
3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a pattern image table 32 stored in the ROM 3 of FIG.
4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a print memory 41 in a RAM 4 of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a file configuration in the storage device 5 of FIG. 1;
6 is a diagram showing an example of a character string arrangement state in a copy check image created by the form output device 1 of FIG. 1; FIG.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are enlarged views illustrating the configuration of a copy check image generated in the first embodiment, where FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a lost image, and FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a remaining image; (C) shows another example of the lost image, and (d) shows another example of the remaining image.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image using the lost image and the remaining image shown in FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (d).
FIG. 9 is a chart showing lightness of colors used in a general printing apparatus.
10 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the form output device 1 of FIG.
11 is a flowchart showing in detail a copy restraint image generation process shown in step S21 of FIG.
12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 71 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG.
13 is a diagram showing an example of form form data stored in the form form data file 5c of FIG.
14 is a diagram showing an example of print data stored in a form data file 5d in FIG.
15 is a diagram showing an example of form printing data obtained by combining the form form data shown in FIG. 13 and the print data shown in FIG. 14;
16 is a diagram showing an example of a copy restraint image generated by the form output device 1. FIG.
17 is a diagram showing an example of a form obtained by printing the form printing data shown in FIG. 15 and the copy check image shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state of a duplicate obtained by copying the form shown in FIG. 17 with a copying machine.
FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a pattern table 33 stored in the ROM 3 in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a color arrangement table 34 stored in the ROM 3 in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the form output device 1 according to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern image generation process shown in step S48 of FIG.
FIGS. 23A and 23B are diagrams for explaining how the remaining pattern image and the lost pattern image are generated by the processing shown in FIG. 22; FIG. 23A shows how the remaining pattern image is generated; and FIG. It shows how it is generated.
24 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 72 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the process shown in FIG.
FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a graphic table 35 stored in the ROM 3 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing print processing executed by the form output device 1 according to the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
27 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check graphic editing screen 73 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG. 26. FIG.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a copy restraint graphic generated by the form output device 1 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Form output device
2 CPU
3 ROM
31 Character attribute table
32 pattern image table
33 Pattern table
34 Color scheme table
35 figure table
4 RAM
41 Print memory
41a Print data memory
41b Form data memory
41c Composite print data memory
5 storage devices
5a Business application file
5b Program file
5c Report form data file
5d print data file
5e Character repetition reference area memory
5f Document management file
6 Printing device
7 Display section
8 Input section
9 Transmission control unit
10 buses

Claims (6)

When copied by a color copier, it is output in the same color as the original color and is copied by the color copier with a non-discolored image composed of large dots larger than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier. Output in a color different from the original color and composed of large dots larger than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier and small dots smaller than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier A copy image generating means for generating a copy image including the discolored image to be changed ;
Control means for printing a copy image generated by the copy image generation means by a color printing apparatus ;
A printing control apparatus comprising: The copy image generating means is configured such that the color of the large dots constituting the non-color-change image and the color of the large dots constituting the color-change image are the same, and the color of the small dots constituting the color-change image is the large color. the print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein generating a different color copied image is a dot. The print control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the copy image generation unit generates a copy image including the small dots having a higher brightness than the color of the large dots. The copied image generating means, wherein the large dot, the to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to produce the configured copy image includes a plurality aggregated so assemblage small dots than large dots The printing control apparatus described. 5. The print control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the copy image generating means generates a copy image configured as a large dot including the aggregate in which the small dot includes at least two different color dots. . Computer
When copied by a color copier, it is output in the same color as the original color and is copied by the color copier with a non-discolored image composed of large dots larger than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier. Output in a color different from the original color and composed of large dots larger than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier and small dots smaller than the minimum dot size readable by this color copier copy image generating means for generating a copy image comprising a color change image,
Control means for causing the color printing apparatus to print the copy image generated by the copy image generation means;
Program to function as.

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